Distal front end for coordinated positioning of an endoscope with a suction device

ABSTRACT

Devices for joining an endoscope with a system for cleaning a colon or other body lumen are presented. Embodiments include variable placement of distal portions of suction components with respect to the endoscope, multiple suction tubes and/or suction portals, and devices for protecting colon walls from suction damage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/722,400 filed on May 27, 2015, which is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP)of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2014/051014 having InternationalFiling Date of Nov. 20, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority under35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/012,997filed on Jun. 17, 2014 and 61/906,982 filed on Nov. 21, 2013. Thecontents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a toolfor use with an endoscope and, more particularly, but not exclusively,to components to be inserted in a body lumen together with an endoscopeand used to clean the body lumen to facilitate visualization of thelumen by means of the endoscope. For example, some embodiments may beused with a colonoscope for cleaning of a colon during colonoscopy.

During a colonoscopy, fecal matter is removed from a colon using pipesdedicated for the tasks of irrigation and evacuation. Typically, acolonoscope irrigation channel delivers fluid for loosening, dissolving,and/or fragmenting fecal material to the colon; and a working channelevacuates this material.

Self-cleaning systems have been described which add irrigation and/orevacuation channels on to a colonoscope probe; for example, inInternational Patent Publication Nos. WO 2009/143201, filed May 20, 2009and WO 2010/138521, filed Dec. 2, 2010.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a tip adaptor of a colon cleaning system for use with acolonoscope probe comprising a shell having a hollow region sized tofittingly accommodate an insert, the insert comprising a plurality ofsockets, each fittingly accommodating the distal end of one or morerespective fluid transport tubes, wherein one of the insert and theshell comprises elastically deformable material, and the other comprisesa relatively rigid material.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the shell is comprisedof a softer material than the insert, and the shell is deformable aroundthe insert in response to external force, while the insert remains inplace and substantially undeformed.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the soft shell definesat least one elastically collapsible hollow.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collapsible hollowcomprises a guard wall which extends across and is spaced from anaperture of at least one of the sockets along a longitudinal axis of thesocket.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guard wall comprisesan aperture of the collapsible hollow.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aperture of thesocket is a suction intake aperture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aperture of theguard wall has substantially the same size and shape as the suctionintake aperture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guard wall is spacedfrom the aperture along a longitudinal axis of the socket by at least 5mm.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collapsible hollowis sufficiently flexible to elastically collapse upon being pressed fromwithin against a portion of colon wall, the collapse occurring at aforce below one that damages the portion of colon wall.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the shell comprises anaperture surrounding an aperture of at least one of the sockets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aperture of thesocket is an irrigation aperture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the irrigation apertureis shaped to form fluid into a jet upon the supply of fluidtherethrough, and the aperture of the shell is sufficiently large toavoid interference with the jet.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the shell is comprisedof a harder material than the insert, and the insert is deformablebetween the sockets.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the soft insert issufficiently flexible to deform upon movement of the fluid transporttubes while maintaining fitting contact with the fluid transport tubesand with the hollow region.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the shape of the hardershell is maintained during the deforming.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptorcomprises a socket sized to receive a distal portion of the colonoscopeprobe.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptor isattached to the distal end of an evacuation channel sized for insertionto a distal segment of a colon.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adaptor is attachedso that it is positioned for suctioning waste to the evacuation channelfrom the distal segment of a colon when inserted therein.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptorcomprises a colon spacer integrally formed with the shell, attached to acircumference of the tip adaptor and extending radially therefrom; thecolon spacer being sufficiently flexible that it collapses uponreceiving pressure due to forward motion of the tip adaptor into aradially restricted region of colon.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the invention, there isprovided a method of navigating a tip adaptor at a distal end of a coloncleaning device, comprising: advancing the tip adaptor to press againsta portion of soft tissue; and collapsing a portion of the tip adaptoragainst the soft tissue, thereby reducing a maximum pressure of the tipadaptor against the soft tissue.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptorcomprises a plurality of sockets attached to a corresponding pluralityof lumens of the colon cleaning device; and the sockets remainundeformed while the portion of the tip adaptor is collapsed.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a cleaning system for evacuating waste from a tubulardigestive tract lumen, comprising: at least one evacuation lumen havinga distal end configured for insertion to a distal segment of thedigestive tract lumen; the at least one evacuation lumen beingconfigured to transmit suction to the distal end; a guard wall defininga suction inlet at the distal end which is directed away from thenearest tissue of the digestive tract lumen when inserted therein.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guard wall extendsdistally from an intake cross-section of the evacuation lumen whichcomprises the distal-most region having substantially the samecross-section as the main proximal region of the evacuation lumen.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a portion of the distalextension of the guard wall extends medially relative to a central axisperpendicular to the intake cross-section.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the area of the suctioninlet defined by the guard wall is larger than the area of the intakecross-section by a factor of at least 2.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guard wall extendscircumferentially around at least a portion of a cross-section of thedistal portion of the colonoscope probe when the adaptor is attached tothe distal portion.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the guard wall extendsentirely around the cross-section.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,including, for example, any of the embodiments described herein, thereis provided a cleaning system for evacuating waste from a tubulardigestive tract lumen, comprising: at least one evacuation lumen havinga distal intake aperture configured for insertion to a distal segment ofthe digestive tract lumen; the at least one evacuation lumen beingconfigured to transmit suction to the intake aperture; a guard wallseparating the intake aperture from the nearest tissue of the digestivetract lumen when inserted therein; the guard wall defining a suctioninlet positioned to divert the suction away from the nearest tissue.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall extends distallyfrom the intake aperture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, a portion of the distalextension of the guard wall extends medially relative to a central axisperpendicular to the intake aperture. According to some embodiments ofthe invention, including, for example, any of the embodiments describedherein, a portion of the guard wall continues beyond the central axisfrom the medially extending portion.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the area of the suction inletdefined by the guard wall is larger than the area of the intake apertureby a factor of at least 2.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the extending distally is by atleast 5 mm.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the system comprises an adaptorattachable to a distal portion of a colonoscope probe, wherein theadaptor comprises the guard wall.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall extends from aportion of the intake aperture circumferentially around at least aportion of a cross-section of the distal portion of the colonoscopeprobe, when the adaptor is attached to the distal portion.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall extends entirelyaround the cross-section.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall tapers in adistal direction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the taper ends distallyin a blunt surface.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall comprises atapering portion which, when the adaptor and the colonoscope probe areattached, extends into a region defined by perpendicular projection ofthe distal perimeter of the distal portion of the colonoscope probedistally therefrom.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the tapering portion extendsinto the projection-defined region around the whole circumferencethereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the diverting comprises anglingof the suction inlet at least 30 degrees away from a direction parallelor perpendicular to a distal-proximal axis of a distal portion of theevacuation lumen.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the distal extending is aroundat least 20% of a circumference enclosing the intake aperture, extendsdistally from the intake aperture by at least 5 mm, and comprises a wallat least 0.1 mm thick.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall extends distallyto a limit defined by exclusion from a field of view of an imaging meanscomprised in the colonoscope probe.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall comprises atleast one vent aperture positioned to allow fluid to pass therethroughto a side facing the intake aperture while receiving the suction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the at least one vent aperturecomprises an open area less than 50% of the area of the suction inlet.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the pressure differentialacross the at least one vent aperture is less than half of the maximalpressure differential associated with the suction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one ventaperture is axially aligned with the suction inlet, and spaced from itby a chamber having an axially transverse section at least as large asthe suction inlet.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the chamber furthercomprises a pressure relief aperture which is in fluid communicationwith the digestive tract lumen through at least one additional lumenalextent, the pressure relief aperture being positioned along a wall ofthe chamber extending between the at least one vent aperture and thesuction inlet.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the suction inlet comprises amouth which is non-planar around the lip thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the suction inlet comprises aplurality of apertures, the apertures being positioned to beunoccludable simultaneously by a wall region extending around less thana quarter of a circumference comprising portions of the aperture.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the guard wall separates theintake aperture of at least a second evacuation lumen from the nearesttissue.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the digestive tract lumen is acolon.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the suction inlet is largeenough to prevent full occlusion by a protruding section of wall whichis less than 5 mm in height.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the suction inlet is protectedfrom at least one side such that it cannot be fully occluded by acontinuous section of wall which extends for more than 10 mm beyond theregion of contact.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,including, for example, any of the embodiments described herein, thereis provided a cleaning system for use with a colonoscope probecomprising: an adaptor attached to the distal end of an evacuationchannel sized for insertion to a distal segment of a colon; the adaptorbeing attachable over a distal portion of the colonoscope probe; thedistal portion being proximal to a portion of the colonoscope probehaving an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the adaptorwhen attached.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the adaptor is attached so thatit is positioned for suctioning waste to the evacuation channel from thedistal segment of a colon when inserted therein.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,including, for example, any of the embodiments described herein, thereis provided a cleaning system for use with a colonoscope probecomprising: an adaptor attached to the distal end of an evacuation lumenconfigured for insertion to a distal segment of a colon; the adaptorcomprising a gap; the gap being passable over the side wall of a distalportion of the colonoscope probe, and from a direction perpendicular tothe side wall, for attachment of the adaptor thereto.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the adaptor is attached to thedistal end of an irrigation channel.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the gap is widenable to passover the widest extent of the side wall, the widened gap beingnarrowable again behind the widest extent to form the attachment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the gap is widenable by pullingapart sections of the adaptor on either side of the gap.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the gap being widenable andnarrowable comprises the adaptor being elastically deformable.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the adaptor comprising a gap isdimensioned for surrounding more than 180 degrees of the circumferenceof the side wall.

According to some embodiments of the invention, including, for example,any of the embodiments described herein, the adaptor comprising a gap isdimensioned for surrounding more than 270 degrees of the circumferenceof the side wall.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a tip adaptor of a colon cleaning system for use witha colonoscope probe comprising: an evacuation inlet region on a distalsurface of the tip adaptor, and offset from the radial center of thesurface, the evacuation inlet region comprising an aperture configuredfor connection to a suction source, the suction source being operablewhile the tip adaptor is inserted to the distal end of a colon whileattached to the colonoscope probe; a colon spacer attached to acircumference of the tip adaptor on a side toward which the evacuationinlet region is offset, and extending radially therefrom; the colonspacer being sufficiently flexible that it collapses upon receivingpressure due to forward motion of the tip adaptor into a radiallyrestricted region of colon.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the colon spacer isdirected to one side of the tip adaptor.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collapse comprisesbending proximally and substantially parallel to a body of the tipadaptor during passage through the restriction.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a method of navigating a colon cleaning device througha colon comprising: orienting a colon spacer extending radially from adistal tip adaptor of a colon cleaning system to push the tip adaptoraway from a wall portion of the colon, while evacuation suction throughthe colon cleaning device is applied; and collapsing the colon spacer sothat the tip adaptor approaches the wall portion.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the collapsing comprisestranslating the tip adaptor along a proximal-distal axis while a portionof the colon spacer drags on the colon, such that the flexible membercollapses and the tip adaptor approaches the colon wall portion.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method comprisesre-extending the collapsed colon spacer by translating the tip adaptoragain.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention,there is provided a tip adaptor of a colon cleaning system for use witha colonoscope probe comprising a hard shell having a hollow region sizedto fittingly accommodate a soft insert; the soft insert comprising aplurality of deformable sockets, each fittingly accommodating the distalend of one or more respective fluid transport tubes.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the soft insert issufficiently flexible to deform upon movement of the fluid transporttubes while maintaining fitting contact with the fluid transport tubesand with the hollow region.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the shape of the hardshell is maintained during the deforming.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example, and for purposes ofillustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard,the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilledin the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1B present simplified schematic views of a cleaning systemusable with an endoscope, according to some exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C schematically illustrate a tip adaptor which comprises ashield, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2D-2E show an encounter between a portion of an intestinal walland vacuum pulled through an evacuation lumen of tip adaptor, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B show an encounter between a portion of an intestinal walland vacuum pulled through an evacuation lumen of tip adaptor providedwith an extension, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 4A-4B schematically illustrate a tip adaptor which comprises ashield having at least one aperture, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate drainage of fluid and suspended waste from anintestinal lumen, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a shield in relation to an imaging aperture,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C schematically illustrate an example of a tip adaptorcomprising a fully circumferential shield, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C schematically illustrate an example of a tip adaptorcomprising an end-recessed shield, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate attachment of an adaptor tip to an endoscopedistal end having variable diameter, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate over-the-end attachment of an adaptor tip to anendoscope distal end, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 11A-11C schematically illustrate configurations for cleaningsystem tip adaptors mountable on distal portions of endoscopes,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11D shows an over-the-end applied tip adaptor, associated with anendoscope distal portion, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 12A-12B show frontal and side-sectional views, respectively, of atip adaptor in association with an endoscope distal end, according tosome exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 13A-13C schematically illustrate configurations for cleaningsystem tip adaptors mountable on distal portions of endoscopes,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 14A-14C demonstrate attachment of a tip adaptor to an endoscopeprobe comprising an expanded distal portion, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 15A-15B schematically illustrate different circumferential extentsof elastically deformable tip adaptors, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 15C shows an extension of housing area of a tip adaptor over adistal end expansion, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate an elastically deformable tip adaptor in threeconfigurations relative to a distal portion of an endoscope, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 17A-17B schematically illustrate configurations for cleaningsystem tip adaptors mountable on distal portions of endoscopes,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 18A-18C schematically illustrate a tip adaptor comprising a shelland insert of different hardness, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 19A-19C schematically illustrate a tip adaptor comprising anevacuation antechamber, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a tip adaptor comprising a flexiblewall guard, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a sleeve assembly in a sleeveplacement jig together with components of an irrigation system and acolonoscope, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates positions of a cleaning system distal region(comprising for example, an adaptor tip), in relation to an intestinalwall and a flexible wall guard; and

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a particle entering a distal tipadaptor, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a toolfor use with an endoscope and, more particularly, but not exclusively,to components to be inserted in a body lumen together with an endoscopeand used to clean the body lumen to facilitate visualization of thelumen by means of the endoscope. For example, some embodiments may beused with a colonoscope for cleaning of a colon during colonoscopy.

Overview

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a tipadaptor for connecting a distal portion of an endoscope with a distalportion of a cleaning module for cleaning of a colon or other bodylumen.

In some embodiments of the invention, a probe of the lumen-cleaningmodule (cleaning system) is dimensioned for reaching to the end of acolon, or to another portion of a gastrointestinal tract. In someembodiments, the lumen-cleaning module is adapted for pumping irrigationfluid to the distal end of the probe to dislodge, disaggregate,dissolve, and/or suspend fecal matter in a colon. In some embodiments,the lumen-cleaning module is adapted for evacuating loosened fecalmatter from the colon through a lumen of the probe.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a two-hardnessor multiple-hardness construction of a tip adaptor, for example, suchthat an outer portion of the tip adaptor is relatively rigid, and aninsert to said outer portion is relatively soft, and/or, for example,such that an outer portion of the tip adaptor is relatively soft, and aninsert to said outer portion is relatively hard.

In some embodiments of the invention, a soft insert and hard outerportion are provided.

In some embodiments of the invention, the soft insert comprises socketssized to receive connections to fluid transport tubes such as evacuationchannels, irrigation fluid supply conduits, and/or pressure sensingtubes. In some embodiments, the soft insert serves to absorb and/orbuffer movements of the fluid transport tubes, such that displacementsdue to tube motion relative to the tip are distributed in the body ofthe soft insert, rather than focused to the interface region between thefluid transport tubes and their respective sockets. In some embodiments,the hard portion of the tip adaptor is sufficiently hard to resistdeformations due to direct external forces likely to be encounteredduring navigation of a colon. Potentially, this helps to shield thesocket connections from deformations that might tend to loosenconnections. Potentially, the relatively inflexible construction of thehard portion of the tip adaptor resists deformations that might tend toallow the tip to become impacted upon rather than slide over protrusionsin the intestinal wall.

In some embodiments, the deformability characteristics of the softinsert comprise movement of about 0.1 mm in response to between 1-10Newtons of force. In some embodiments, movement corresponds to about0.1-0.25 mm, 0.15-0.2 mm, 0.25-0.5 mm, or range of movements having thesame, greater, smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.

In some embodiments of the invention, a hard insert and soft outerportion are provided.

Optionally, the hard insert comprises sockets sized to receiveconnections to fluid transport tubes such as evacuation channels,irrigation fluid supply conduits, and/or pressure sensing tubes.Optionally, use of a relatively hard insert to a soft outer portionallows manufacturing of sockets to tight tolerances for receiving fluidtransport and/or pressure sensing tubes, while still allowing a softouter portion which mitigates potentially traumatic interactions betweenthe device head and surrounding tissue during operation.

Potentially, use of a relatively hard insert provides dimensionalstability during storage and/or in use. For example, stability of theconnection of the socket to tubing is preserved by the hard insert beingsubstantially resistant to deformation under the forces of use, and/ordue to forces or creep during storage. Optionally a relatively hardinsert provides dimensional stability of an aperture, for example, anaperture shaped to form and/or direct a fluid jet for cleaning Withoutdimensional stability of a jetting aperture, jet force, shape, and/ordirection is potentially altered during storage and/or use.

In some embodiments, a soft outer shell of the tip adaptor reduces thepotential for trauma in the tissue due to interactions with the tipadaptor. For example, the surface of the tip adaptor itself has somerubbery give to it, allowing distribution of forces to potentiallyprevent focusing force to a small region of soft tissue. In someembodiments, one or more portions of the tip adaptor soft shell areconfigured to partially and elastically collapse when receiving force,providing still further give in the tip adaptor shape.

In some embodiments, apertures (such as jet and/or suction apertures)which are defined and made dimensionally stable by a hard insert portionare protected by a surrounding portion of soft shell. For example, thesoft shell is provided with an aperture wide enough to avoidinterference with the function (for example, shape and/or aiming) of ajet aperture, and surrounding the jet aperture to prevent direct tissueinteractions with it. Optionally, a soft shell aperture is providedspaced from and in front of a hard insert-defined suction aperture,potentially protecting tissue from encountering a hard edge of thesuction aperture.

In some embodiments, the deformability characteristics of the soft shell(for example, the shell where it directly overlies a hard insertportion) comprise movement of about 0.1 mm in response to between 1-10Newtons of force. In some embodiments, movement corresponds to about0.1-0.25 mm, 0.15-0.2 mm, 0.25-0.5 mm, or a range of movements havingthe same, greater, smaller, and/or intermediate bounds. In someembodiments, the soft shell comprises one or more collapsible chambersand/or hollows, and is configured to allow elastic collapse to an extent(for example, of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or another greater orsmaller extent) which is at least partially determined by the dimensionsof the chamber or hollow, for example in response to between 1-10Newtons of force. The hollow is likewise, for example, about 1 mm, 2 mm,3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or another greater or smaller distance in extent inthe direction of collapse. Alternatively—for example, in embodimentswhere the chambers are sealed—the collapse is to an intermediate rangegoverned by the compressibility of the chamber walls and/or contents.

It is to be understood that the extent and/or contiguity of therelatively hard and relatively soft parts of the tip adaptor isoptionally subject to further variations and combinations. Optionally,for example, a shell comprises both hard and soft portions. For example,corners, leading surfaces, and/or other surface of the shell are formedas soft, yielding, and/or compressible portions of the shell, whileother parts of the shell (exposed as surfaces and/or supporting thecompressible portions from within) are formed as relatively hardportions of the shell. Additionally or alternatively, the insert portionis formed with hard, stiff, and/or incompressible portions which providedimensional stability of parts such as socket shapes and irrigationinlet shapes, together with, for example, soft linings of sockets(potentially to allow slight deformation upon experiencing force, butthin enough so that the functionally important dimensional stabilityprovided by the hard portion is not compromised). Additionally oralternatively, a hard socket and/or irrigation inlet is embedded withina matrix of softer material. Potentially, this allows some give and/orrelative motion of sockets to absorb forces exerted on the tip, whilepreserving dimensional stability needed, for example, to securely holdfittings and/or reliably shape jet formation Thus, a tip adaptor isoptionally provided with multiple layers of alternating hardness andsoftness, within the shell and/or within the insert, which potentiallyallows providing at least some of the advantages of each material type.

Furthermore, although the embodiments herein are described with respectto an optionally separable “shell” and “insert”, it is to be understoodthat both elements are optionally manufactured as a single unit.Alternatively, either element is optionally manufactured as a pluralityof parts, which optionally interconnect to one another, and/or are heldto the tip adaptor by the complementary part or assembly of parts. Forexample, in some embodiments, an insert is optionally formed as aplurality of inserts which are separately fit into the shell.Additionally or alternatively, a shell is formed of parts which attachseparately to an insert, for example, by being molded into place, by asnap fit, and/or by adhesive attachment.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the terms “soft” and “hard” asused herein relate to the relative elastic deformability of materialsand/or construction (including plastic polymer compositions such aspolyurethane, and/or constructions comprising hollows, thin walls, orother deformable and/or reducible shapes), and, in particular,deformability in response to compressive forces.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to structures forprotecting colon tissues from accidental damage by suction used forevacuation of fecal material.

In some embodiments of the invention, an intake guard is provided as aportion of a tip adaptor. In some embodiments, the intake guardcomprises a wall positioned to divert suction into the intake of anevacuation channel away from the tissue of a lumenal wall duringinsertion to a colon. It is a potential advantage to provide such aguard wall, as the intake aperture of the evacuation port is subject insome embodiments to suction.

Tissue approaching an unshielded evacuation port may be damaged bysuction, particularly if the tissue seals across the port such that thepressure gradient drop occurs substantially across the tissue. Anotherpotential advantage of a guard wall is to protect the function ofevacuation port itself. In some embodiments, a sensor system allows acontroller to reduce and/or reverse suction strength upon detection ofan occlusion of the system. It is a potential advantage to reduce theoccurrence of occlusions by tissue in order to maintain a higher rate ofevacuation throughput by the cleaning system.

The “intake aperture” or “intake cross-section” of the evacuation lumenrefers to the most distal region of the evacuation lumen where theevacuation lumen is substantially uniform in cross-section (for example,within ±10% of its diameter and/or cross-sectional area along the mainbody of the evacuation lumen). In embodiments where a guard wall formsthe last portion of the evacuation lumen, the intake aperture or intakecross-section terminates where the guard wall shape defines (or, wherechange is continues, where it begins to define, for example by a slopechange) a substantial change in the shape of the evacuation lumencross-section. A “suction intake” or “suction inlet” marks a regionbeyond which fluid is not in the evacuation lumen at all. The regioninterconnecting a suction intake and an intake aperture or cross-sectionis defined, in some embodiments, by a guard wall. In some embodiments,the interconnecting region comprises an evacuation antechamber.

In some embodiments, the suction intake defined by the guard wall is ofa larger diameter than the evacuation lumen or lumens it protects, forexample, larger in area by 50%, 100%, 200%, 500%, or anotherintermediate, smaller, or larger difference. It is a potential advantagefor the suction intake to be larger, such that it is more difficult tobring tissue close to it where the tissue experiences a high pressuregradient. In some embodiments of the invention, the suction intake isformed to a non-circular shape, such as an oval, crescent, and/or slit.In some embodiments of the invention, a shortest distance across thesuction intake is smaller than the smallest dimension across anevacuation lumen, for example, 75%, 50%, 25%, or an intermediate,larger, or smaller relative size. In some embodiments, the distance ofmaximum distal extension of the guard wall is, for example, 3-5 mm, 4-10mm, 6-15 mm, 10-20 mm, or another shorter or longer distance. In someembodiments, the thickness of the intake guard wall is at least 0.1-0.2mm, 0.1-0.3 mm, 0.2-0.5 mm, 0.4-1.0 mm, or another larger or smallerthickness.

According to the embodiment, the inner diameter of an evacuation channelextended by a guard wall is, for example, 2.1 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 4.2 mm,4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, another larger or smaller diameter, or anydiameter in between. The number of evacuation channels which a guardwall protects may be 1, 2, 3, 4 or more evacuation channels, accordingto the embodiment.

It is a potential advantage for the suction intake to have such asmaller relative dimension, to help ensure than particles which pass itare small enough in at least one dimension to pass through theevacuation lumen without occluding it. It is also a potential advantagefor the suction intake to have a dimension of relatively large extent(for example the length of a slit or oval, which may itself be straightand/or curved), such that it is unlikely that any single large particlecould act to block it completely. In some embodiments, the ratio oflongest to shortest dimension of a suction intake is, for example, 1:2,1:3, 1:5, 1:10, or another intermediate, smaller, or larger ratio.

In some embodiments of the invention, the intake guard is adapted withone or more additional features which avoid interference with and/orsupport functioning of the endoscope probe and/or cleaning system. Insome embodiments, the intake guard, extending distally from theendoscope probe end, is provided with a tapering shape. The intakeguard, in some embodiments, is more fully circumferential (optionally,fully circumferential) than is required simply to shield the evacuationport. It is a potential advantage to provide a taper on the intakeguard, for example, so that the narrower tip presented thereby caninsert into (and potentially help to pry apart) intestinal constrictionsduring forward navigation. The wall of the intake guard tapers, forexample, to the diameter of the distal end of the colonoscope probe. Insome embodiments, the guard tapers more or less, for example, to withinabout 120% of the colonoscope probe diameter, or within about 100%, 90%,80%, 50% or another larger or smaller relative taper diameter. In someembodiments, the tapering extent is different at differentcircumferential locations. For example, a taper, in some embodiments, isshorter (distally) and/or wider (radially) at a portion of the adaptorwhich is closer to an imaging and/or illumination means comprised withinthe colonoscope. Potentially, this avoids blocking the view and/orcasting a visible shadow. In some embodiments, the taper begins behindthe distal end of a colonoscope, and terminates at about the distal end.

In some embodiments, the intake guard is provided with one or more ventapertures that allow fluid to cross the intake guard wall, while stillpreventing tissue of a lumenal wall from approaching regions of highnegative pressure. In some embodiments, apertures are positioned atlocations on the guard wall which are sufficiently far from the regionof maximal pressure drop that there is no damaging pressure drop acrossthem. This may be, for example, near the open end of the guard wall thatdefines the suction aperture. Additionally or alternatively, an apertureis located or near an interior cross-section defined by the guard wallwhich is relatively large, such that flow is slower, and the pressuredrop correspondingly less. Potentially, having a dedicated, wall- and/ordebris-protected suction aperture separate from the vent aperturesreduces the pressure gradient across the vent apertures to a level whichis unable to grab and/or injure intestinal tissue.

A vent aperture provides a potential advantage for allowing morecomplete removal of fluid from a body lumen. A guard wall, for example,might otherwise act as a barrier (for example, because of an inwardtaper) that prevents fluid from reaching proximity to the evacuationport.

In some embodiments, an intake guard is shaped to a rounded distalsurface, for example, a surface approximating the surface of a sphere,ovoid, or other substantially rounded shape having a radius of about10-20 mm. In some embodiments, the surface curvatures approximate aradius within a range of about 5-15 mm, 10-25 mm, 15-25 mm, 20-30 mm, oranother range of radii having the same, larger, smaller and/orintermediate bounds.

In some embodiments, an intake guard positions vent apertures(evacuation channel access apertures) such that an evacuationantechamber is positioned between the vent apertures and the intakeapertures of the evacuation chamber itself. In some embodiments, theevacuation antechamber comprises an open region fluidly interconnectinga plurality of evacuation intake apertures proximally. In someembodiments, the evacuation antechamber comprises another aperture whichis positioned in a location sheltered from waste and/or intestinal wallsuction contact (for example, in fluid communication with a lumen of thetip which is difficult to block, due the size, shape and/or position ofits own openings). Potentially, the sheltered aperture acts as apressure shunt to prevent a suction gradient from increasing across oneor a plurality of vent apertures if the one or plurality of ventapertures is blocked (for example, by waste particles).

In some embodiments, vent/access apertures are arranged axially in linewith evacuation intake apertures, at a size about equal to or smallerthan the intake apertures. Potentially, this relative positioning andrelative size allows the access apertures to operate as size- and/ororientation-selective filters for waste particles entering theevacuation antechamber, such that fewer waste particles reach therelatively high suction gradient of the intake aperture that are toolarge and/or oriented to block it.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to variable-sitepositioning for a tip adaptor which mates a cleaning system probe to anendoscope probe.

In some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptor is mateable to adistal end of an endoscope probe directly from the side. In someembodiments, this is obtained by a slit along the side of the tipadaptor which is expandable to receive the endoscope probe, andcontractible to lock the tip around the endoscope probe. Optionally, theexpandability and contractibility comprise elasticity of the tip adaptormaterials. In some embodiments of the invention, the tip adaptor ismateable to a distal end of an endoscope probe over the distal end ofthe endoscope probe, and configured to be tightened around a portion ofthe endoscope probe proximal to the end. Potentially, one or both ofthese configurations allows a tip adaptor to be positioned for a desiredbalance between: sufficiently distal to provide colonic cleaning butsufficiently proximal to reduce interference with probe navigation in alumen.

In some embodiments, an endoscope probe is provided with an expanded tip(for example, to accommodate structures for endoscope functions) and acleaning system tip adaptor is attachable proximal to this expansion. Itis a potential advantage to attach proximal to the region of expansion,since this allows a tip adaptor, in some embodiments, to conform to asmaller-diameter region. Conforming to a smaller-diameter region in turnpotentially reduces the overall diameter added to the distal portion ofthe endoscope probe by the cleaning system probe.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a flexibleguard wall which acts as a variable-distance standoff between a cleaningsystem tip adaptor and the intestinal wall.

In some embodiments, the guard wall is positioned to stick radially awayfrom the position of the fluid access and/or intake aperture of anevacuation channel, such that suction applied to the evacuation channelis restricted from pulling intestinal wall portions up to the apertureitself (with potentially resulting injury). In some embodiments, thewall is provided with sufficient stiffness to act as a spring that bendsto convert distal-proximal motions of the colon cleaning distal end intomotion across the transverse cross-section of the colon. For example,with the guard wall bent backward from the tip adaptor (bent proximally)the tip body moves toward or away from the wall as the tip is advanceddistally or proximally, respectively. In some embodiments, this motionis used to aim jets, set a level of tip immersion for evacuation, and/orselect a tip position for navigation of a restriction, constriction,and/or barrier to distal movement.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

For convenience of exposition, cleaning systems, modules, and/or methodsdescribed herein are sometimes referred to as “colon cleaning” systems,modules and/or methods. Colon cleaning is contemplated as a common useof embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood thatmethods and devices taught herein may also be used to clean otherportions of an intestine and/or other body lumens.

Accordingly, the term “colon cleaning” as applied to these methods anddevices encompasses cleaning not only the colon, but also other portionsof an intestine and/or other body lumens. For example, some embodimentsof the invention are potentially useful in cleaning as part of aprocedure for diagnosing and treatment bleeding in the upper GI tract.

Reference Embodiment

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1B, which are simplified schematicviews of a cleaning system 100 usable with an endoscope 10 (which may bea colonoscope), according to some exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. FIG. 1B shows inset region 100A of FIG. 1A in greater detail.

In some embodiments cleaning system 100 comprises an endoscope 10, andin some embodiments cleaning system 100 is independent of and optionallyusable with an endoscope 10. In some embodiments, system 100 may also beused independently as an insertable cleaning system not connected to orused with an endoscope.

System 100 comprises an interface device 20 which in some embodiments isdesigned to be disposable, i.e. for one-time use. In some embodimentsinterface 20 is a distal portion of cleaning system 100, and serves toconnect system 100 to a distal portion of an endoscope 10, as shown inthe figure. In some embodiments, endoscope 10 is a colonoscope. In someembodiments, endoscope 10 comprises an imaging port 107 and/or otherimaging means at a distal portion thereof 21.

Interface 20 is optionally attached to at least one and optionally aplurality of flexible tubes 110, also optionally disposable. In someembodiments flexible tubes 110 are sufficiently long to connectinterface 20 to proximal components of cleaning system 100 whileinterface 20 and a distal portion of endoscope 10 are advanced into abody lumen such as a colon. In an exemplary embodiment tubes 110 are 4meters long. In other embodiments, tubes 110 are between 2 and 5 meterslong. Optionally, tubes 110 are taped or otherwise temporarily attachedto endoscope 10 by attachments 112 (e.g. biocompatible tape, orreleasable clamps positioned at convenient intervals, for example aboutevery 10-20 cm, every 5-35 cm, or over another longer or shorterinterval). Tapes may optionally be localized tape portions, and mayoptionally be one or more long tape pieces spirally wrapped around anendoscope and its accompanying tubes.

In some embodiments (for example, any of the interface deviceembodiments described herein), the distal portion of a colonoscope probe21 has a diameter, of, for example, 5-8 mm, 6-10 mm, 8-12 mm, 10-15 mm,14-20 mm or another range of diameters having range boundaries equal,higher, lower, or intermediate to the ranges given. A colonoscope distalend diameter may be variable within, for example, the distal 1-10 cm ofits length, due to irregularities in construction, structures forsteering, and/or structures for containing colonoscope instrumentation.An interface device for connecting to the distal end of a colonoscopeprobe extends, for example, 1-2 mm, 2-5 mm, 4-8 mm, 6-12 mm, 10-20 mm,10-30 mm, or another range of distances having bounds equal,intermediate, smaller, or larger.

In some embodiments, tubes 110 are positioned around endoscope 10, maywrap around endoscope 10 and/or around each other, and in general arepositioned with respect to endoscope 10 according to convenience and/orin a manner which enhances simplicity of operation and/or flexibility ofbody-insertable portions of system 100 together with endoscope 10.

In some embodiments, tubes 110 comprise an evacuation channel 22 whichconnects interface device 20 to a vacuum source, which may for examplebe a pump 120 and/or a connection to a centralized vacuum system 122such as are available in some hospitals and clinics. In someembodiments, system 100 comprises a plurality of evacuation channels 22(also called “suction tubes 22” herein), such as for example two, orthree, or four, or more tubes 22. In some embodiments, a lumen of anendoscope working channel 23 is usable as an evacuation channel. In someembodiments, a pump 120 is reversible to purge an evacuation channel.According to the embodiment, the inner diameter of an evacuation channelis, for example, 2.1 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm,another larger or smaller diameter, or any diameter in between.

In some embodiments, interface device 20 (and/or any of the otherinterface devices described herein) comprises structure which adaptsfrom the intake aperture of an evacuation channel 22 to another shape atthe distal-most portion of the suction intake, for example, a slit, anoval, an annulus, and/or a partial annulus. In some embodiments, two ormore evacuation channels are combined into a single suction inlet by theinterface device. In some embodiments, a single evacuation channel issplit into two or more separate suction inlets. In some embodiments, thearea of the suction inlet aperture is larger than the cross-section ofthe evacuation channel lumen, for example, 50% larger, 100%, 150%, 300%,500%, or another intermediate, larger or smaller difference in area.

In some embodiments one or more or tubes 110 serves as an irrigationtube 101, connected to a fluid source which is a source of water oranother liquid and/or a liquid/gas combination. In some embodiments, oneor more working channels of endoscope 10 serves as irrigation tube 101.

In some methods of use, irrigation tube 101 supplies a cleaning fluid tointerface device 20, which delivers it into a body lumen such as acolon, optionally under pressure, where it serves to wash the colon, andloosens and partially dissolves fecal matter which is then suctionedinto one or more suction portals (also called “suction inlets” herein)95B in interface 20 (as shown in figures discussed below), and thenceinto evacuation channel 22 and/or 23, which transport the material outof the body and deliver it to an optional fecal matter collector 118.Vacuum (i.e. suction) in tubes is optionally regulated by a valve orregulator or variable pump 120, optionally connected to vacuum source122. Delivery of suction to tube(s) 22 and of irrigation fluid totube(s) 101 is optionally regulated by a controller 125, optionallyreceiving commands from an operator through a user interface 130 such asa computer console and/or a knob or lever or other manual command

Vacuum Shield

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2C, which schematically illustrate atip adaptor 20 which comprises the wall of an intake guard 41, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

For some embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 2C and 2A-2B present sidecross-sectional and end cross-sectional views at different depthsrespectively of a tip adaptor 20 comprising an intake guard 41 designedto distance body tissue from an evacuation portal 95 which might beblocked by body tissue and/or which might damage body tissue.

In some embodiments, intake guard 41 is positioned between an evacuationportal such as portal 95 and tissues of a body when said tip adaptor isinserted in a body lumen. For example, intake guard 41 protects tissuesof the walls of a colon when suction is applied to the colon throughevacuation portal 95. In some embodiments, intake guard 41 extends alongat least 20% of the circumference of tip adaptor 20, extends distallyfrom tip adaptor 20. In some embodiments, intake guard 41 extends alongat least 35%, 50%, 80%, or 100% of the circumference of tip adaptor 20,or a lesser fraction of the circumference, or any intermediatecircumference fraction. In some embodiments, the distance of maximumextension of intake guard 41 is, for example, 3-5 mm, 4-10 mm, 6-15 mm,10-20 mm, or another shorter or longer distance. The distance ofshortest extension at any given point around its circumference, in someembodiments, is between 0 mm and any distance up to the longest distanceof extension. In some embodiments, the thickness of intake guard wall 41is at least 0.1-0.2 mm, 0.1-0.3 mm, 0.2-0.5 mm, 0.4-1.0 mm, or anotherlarger or smaller thickness. In some embodiments, intake guard 41 isrigid or semi-rigid, such that it maintains its shape under at least thepressure used to normally advance the endoscope probe into the bodylumen. A rigid or semi-rigid intake guard 41 potentially assists inforward penetration of an advancing distal end of an endoscope probe. Insome embodiments, intake guard 41 is flexible, sufficiently so that itcollapses, for example, when pressed directly to a lumenal wall. This isa potential advantage for reducing injury as an endoscope probeadvances. In some embodiments, intake guard 41 is designed with aflexibility/rigidity which comprises both navigation assistance andsafety collapse, such that it collapses, for example, under an advancingpressure of 1-4 PSI, 3-8 PSI, 5-10 PSI, 8-15 PSI, or another higher orlower threshold of pressure. Intake Guard 41 is an optional feature ofany of the cleaning systems and/or tip adaptors described herein.

Protection offered by intake guard 41 is potentially by one or more of aselection of mechanisms, as now described, and/or by another mechanism.In some embodiments, shield 41 positions a suction inlet which is influid communication with an evacuation lumen 22 to a location and/ororientation which is less exposed to wall contacts than the bare intakeaperture 95 of the evacuation lumen 22.

Optionally, the position is a more medial position, potentiallyincreasing a distance between a body lumen wall and a region of a highpressure gradient. Optionally, the orientation is shifted to makecontacts with the wall less likely, for example, a rotation which isabout mid-way between an orientation perpendicular to thedistal-proximal axis of the device (which may tend to come into contactwith wall protrusions during distal motion) and an orientation parallelto the distal-proximal axis (which may tend to come into contact withflat regions of the wall). Mid-way, in some embodiments of theinvention, comprises an angle which is at least 30° degrees away fromboth axes, or at least 35°, 40°, or another intermediate, larger, orsmaller angle of separation. In some embodiments, the aperture is bothmoved and rotated. For example, the suction inlet illustrated in FIGS.2A-2C, defined by the protruding wall section of intake guard 41,rotates the suction inlet by about 90° to point in a medial direction,and moves the aperture in a medial direction.

In some embodiments of the invention, intake guard 41 protects byadopting a shape which is unlikely to be matched by an occluding sectionof wall. For example, the lip of the intake guard may be formed todefine non-planar aperture mouth (for example, the margin of the intakeguard forms a lip which is not substantially contained within a singleplane), and/or the aperture mouth may be guarded on one or more sides bystructures that prevent a wall section from overlying the aperture. Forexample, the distal end of the colonoscope itself prevents the apertureof intake guard 41 in FIG. 2C from being fully occluded by a largeextent of intestinal wall. In some embodiments, interference in theregion of the suction inlet mouth prevents fully occlusion by an extentof wall which is continuous beyond 10 mm from the point of contact, orbeyond 5-10 mm, 10-15 mm, 8-20 mm, or another range of continuous extenthaving bounds which are the same, intermediate, smaller, or larger.

In some embodiments of the invention, intake guard 41 protects bycreating a larger suction inlet area, decreasing the likelihood of totalocclusion. For example, irregularities 1A of an intestinal wall arelimited in size, so a sufficiently large aperture, even if oriented tothe surface of the irregularity, is not occluded. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the suction inlet is large enough to prevent totalocclusion by a flap of tissue which is less than 5 mm in protrudingextent. In some embodiments, occlusion is prevented for flaps of tissuehaving protruding extent less than 5-10 mm, 2-5 mm, 8-12 mm, or anotherrange of extents having bounds equal, intermediate, larger, or smaller.

Another potential advantage of a large suction inlet area is to helpensure that regions of high pressure differential with the intracolonicpressure are located deep within the intake structures of the evacuationchannel and/or intake guard, rather than exposed near the intakeaperture itself.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-7C, which schematically illustrate anexample of a tip adaptor 19A comprising a fully circumferential intakeguard 41, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.FIGS. 7A-7B show frontal views at different section planes. FIG. 7Cshows a view in horizontal cross-section.

In some embodiments, intake guard portion 42 protrudes a shorterdistance away from the tip than a region 41A protecting evacuation lumen22. A potential advantage of a fully circumferential intake guard 41 isto provide a narrower entry point for an advancing into a body lumen.

In some embodiments, the shorter region 42 is positionable to beradially nearer to an imaging device 50, to reduce or preventobstruction of a field of view 72 of imaging device 50 by the extensionof intake guard 41. In some embodiments, one or more positioningelements 17A, 17B act to ensure proper relative positioning of tipadaptor 19A relative to the end of distal endoscope region 21.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8C, which schematically illustrate anexample of a tip adaptor 19B comprising an end-recessed intake guard41B, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIGS.8A-8B show frontal views at different section planes. FIG. 8C shows aview in horizontal cross-section.

In some embodiments, intake guard 41B is recessed away from the distalend of tip adaptor 19B. A potential advantage of this position is toprotect of an evacuation lumen 22, with lowered obstruction of theprogress and/or field of view of distal endoscope region 21. Inparticular, the extreme distal end of the advancing distal end isexpanded only by the thickness of tip adaptor 19A used to house theanchoring structures of the adaptor. In some embodiments, one or morepositioning elements 17A, 17B act to ensure proper relative positioningof tip adaptor 19A relative to the end of distal endoscope region 21.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C, chamber 43 of tip adaptor 20 is forhousing a distal end of an endoscope 21. A chamber 220 in the figure isfor housing and/or connecting to (and functionally extending) a tube 22which optionally connects proximally to a vacuum source as describedabove. Suction 71 produced by a proximal vacuum source is delivered insome embodiments by tube 22 and chamber 220 to an evacuation portal 95.

In some embodiments of the invention, tip adaptor 20 comprises a distalintake guard 41. Potentially, intake guard 41 serves to separate bodylumen wall tissue or other body tissue from direct exposure to highlevels of vacuum potentially present in an evacuation portal 95.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2D and 2E, which show an encounterbetween a portion 1A of an intestinal wall 1 and vacuum pulled indirection 71 through an evacuation lumen 22 of tip adaptor 20, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2D, an advancingdistal end of an endoscope 21 approaches an irregularity 1A in wall 1.In FIG. 2E, irregularity 1A is pulled to the aperture of evacuationlumen 22. It is, however, a potential advantage to prevent this mode ofcontact between an active evacuation portal and soft body tissue. Faultswhich potentially occur in this scenario include:

-   -   body tissues sucked towards and into the evacuation portal        blocking the portal, preventing proper functioning of a        lumen-cleaning process; and    -   traumatizing of body tissues sucked into the evacuation portal.

Suction strong enough to provide efficient and rapid evacuation of fecalmatter from a colon (for example) is potentially strong enough to createhematoma, ruptured blood vessels, or other undesirable outcomes intissue subject to a strong suction.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which show an encounterbetween a portion 1A of an intestinal wall 1 and vacuum pulled indirection 71 through an evacuation lumen 22 of tip adaptor 20, providedwith an extension 41, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention. In FIG. 3A, an advancing distal end of an endoscope 21approaches an irregularity 1A in wall 1. In FIG. 3B, irregularity 1A ispushed forward, away from the aperture of evacuation lumen 22,protecting it from suction force 71.

Returning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, in some embodiments, extension 41 standsbetween evacuation portal 95 and sensitive tissue such as the wall of acolon, and protects that tissue from damage while preventing blockage ofevacuation portal 95 by body tissue. In some embodiments, intake guard41 is positioned near evacuation portal 95.

Optionally a plurality of shields 41 is positioned near a plurality ofevacuation portals 95. Optionally, intake guard 41 is positioned aroundall or major portions of tip adaptor 20 and not be limited to positionsin direct proximity to evacuation portals 95.

Optionally, intake guard 41 is curved towards a central axis of tipadaptor 20, as shown in FIG. 2C.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6B, which illustrate an intake guard41 in relation to an imaging aperture 50, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention.

Optionally, intake guard 41 is positioned to avoid or partially avoidlimiting the field of view 72 of optical components of endoscope 10.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4B, which schematically illustrate atip adaptor 20 which comprises an intake guard 41 having at least oneaperture 60, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, intake guard 41 may comprise oneor more (optionally small) holes 60 through which cleaning can occur.This configuration is shown in side cross-section in FIG. 4B and infront cross-section in FIG. 4A.

Optionally, holes 60 may have rounded edges so that they will not cut orscrape tissues of the lumen walls as tip adaptor 20 advances in the bodylumen.

The appropriate size and location of holes 60 may depend on thecharacteristics of the material to be cleaned, the nature of theirrigation used, the strength of the suction provided, and various otheroperational parameters. FIGS. 4A and 4B present exemplary andnon-limiting embodiments. In some embodiments, holes 60 are placed suchthat they overlie interior regions exposed to suction which experience arelatively small pressure differential with the intracolonic pressure.For example the holes may be placed near the distal end of an intakeguard wall 41, and/or may be placed such that the nearest portion of thechamber formed on the interior side of the intake guard wall 41 isrelatively large.

In some embodiments, this larger chamber region corresponds to aneffectively increased “pipe” diameter, resulting in a lower pressuredrop, for example according to Bernoulli's principle. This is apotential advantage for the safety of the tissue, and/or for reductionof the tendency of suction to grab approaching tissue.

In some embodiments, a potential tension exists within the goal ofevacuating as much waste volume as practical, while exposing the tissuesof the colonic segment to a pressure gradient which is as gentle aspractical. In embodiments of this compromise, suction as such is notrelied upon to dislodge particles. It is also a potential advantage toput apertures leading to the evacuation channel where they are exposedto the least pressure differential. It is another potential advantagefor structures leading to the evacuation channel to have wide crosssections near such apertures, narrowing as they recede from regionswhich might be exposed to tissue.

According to some optional methods of use, a physician turns on suctionin tube 22 when hole(s) 60 are appropriately positioned over an areaneeding cleaning, and turns off or reduces suction when holes 60 arepositioned over vulnerable tissue.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which illustrate drainage offluid and suspended waste 30 from an intestinal lumen, according to someexemplary embodiments of the invention. In each figure, the lumencontained by intestinal wall 1 is being drained by vacuum pulled indirection 71 through an evacuation lumen 22 of tip adaptor 20, providedwith an extension 41.

In FIG. 5A, a distal end of an endoscope 21 is partially submerged influid and suspended waste 30. Suction 71 is unable to completely drainwaste suspension 30, due to the barrier comprising extension 41. In FIG.5A, a distal end of an endoscope 21 is partially submerged in fluid andsuspended waste 30. Suction 71 is provided access to remnants of drainedwaste suspension 30, by one or more holes 60 provided in extension 41.

Note that tip adaptor 20, in some embodiments, is configured to remainclear of colonoscope elements located at the colonoscope tip,comprising, for example (as shown in FIG. 2A), illumination LED 105,imaging port 107, working channel 102, and irrigation channel 103.

Exemplary Tip Adaptors

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11D, 13A-13C, and 17A-17B, whichschematically illustrate configurations for cleaning system 100 tipadaptors 20 mountable on distal portions 21 of endoscopes 10, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, in some embodiments “tip adaptors” shown inthese figures and referenced elsewhere herein are connectable to tubes110 and to other portions of a cleaning system such as the cleaningsystem 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B.

It is also to be understood that configurations of what is generallyreferred to as “tip adaptor 20” herein should be understood to include(changed as necessary) all individually described tip adaptors describedherein (for example, tip adaptors 11A-11C, 12, 13, and 19A-19B), and allother devices conforming to descriptions of “tip adaptors” presentedherein as embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 11A-11D schematically illustrate sectional side views of tipadaptors 11A-11C (and 20) mounted on a distal end of an endoscope 10.

In exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, tip adaptor 11A, 11B isshaped to fit the distal end of the endoscope, optionally with a fullyor partially circumferential projection 16 or other feature whichassures that tip adaptor 11A, 11B will be positioned at the distal endof endoscope 21 in a fixed positional relationship.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12B, which show frontal andside-sectional views, respectively, of a tip adaptor 11B in associationwith an endoscope distal end 21, according to some exemplary embodimentsof the invention.

It is a potential advantage to adjust the shape of projection 16 toaccommodate the function of features located at the end of distalendoscope portion 21. In some embodiments, for example, projection 16may be retracted from portions of the tip adaptor 11B which arepositionable in proximity to the field of view 72 of an imaging device50. This retraction allows the positioning function to operate withoutimpairing the functional operation of the endoscope optics and/or otherfeatures such as irrigation, working channels, and/or illumination.

FIGS. 11D, 13A-13C, and 17A-17B are simplified schematics of tipadaptors which are either variably positionable on distal portions ofendoscopes 21, or which are fixedly positioned near but not at a distalend of an endoscope 21, according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 13A-C show front and front- and side-sectional views of tipadaptor 12 (which is a tip adaptor 20) configured to be fittinglyapplied over a distal portion of an endoscope 21 from a lateraldirection. In some embodiments, interface tip adaptor 12 is elasticallydeformable, and sized to grip endoscope end 21 in a pressure grip(direction of grip pressure is indicated, for example, by arrows 26).Optionally, tip adaptor 12 is fitted by a user to a selectable positionat or near the end of distal portion of endoscope 21. In someembodiments, tip adaptor 12, is optionally slideable for positioningalong the distal body of endoscope 21. In some embodiments, tip adaptor12 grips endoscope distal end 21 with a sufficient strength to resistmovement on endoscope distal end 21 under influence of pressuresnormally exerted on endoscope 21 during insertion in a colon or otherbody lumen.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A-15B, which schematically illustratedifferent circumferential extents of elastically deformable tip adaptors12B, 12C, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, the circumferential extent of a tip adaptor 12B,12C is any angle sufficient to allow a grip to be established frombehind the endoscope distal portion 21 to which the tip adaptorattaches. In some embodiments, the angle is also chosen so that theadaptor can be opened wide enough to pass over the endoscope portion 21from the side.

In some embodiments, for example, tip adaptor 12B (FIG. 15A) extendsaround about ⅔ of the circumference of the endoscope. It should beunderstood that the extent of circumferential wrapping is variable,depending on the diameter of the endoscope at the point of attachment.

In some embodiments, for example, tip adaptor 12C (FIG. 15B), extendsonly a small amount past 180° of the endoscope circumference at thepoint of attachment. In some embodiments, the security of attachment isincreased by decreasing the flexibility of the tip adaptor 12C, suchthat the pressing to the underlying endoscope is harder.

Thus, in some embodiments, tip adaptors which self-attach by means oftheir own elastic restoring force may be constructed with arelaxed-state aperture which is anywhere in size from 0% of theendoscope diameter (slit-like) to a value just sufficiently small enoughallow establishing a grip. The relaxed-state aperture size may thus be,for example, 20%-80% of the endoscope diameter, or another larger orsmaller size. In some embodiments, the adaptor extends from fittingabout 50% around the endoscope probe profile to any larger value. A morecompletely enclosing adaptor potentially provides a firmer grip, with atrade-off for this comprising a larger increase in endoscope probediameter.

The material of the tip adaptor body (for adaptors 12B, 12C, or anyother tip adaptor described herein) can be a silicone rubber or anotherpolymer material, for example, a polymer resin otherwise used inmanufacture of a colonoscope or colon cleaning system insertion tube.Exemplary Shore A durometer values for the material of a tip adaptor arebetween 50-70 Shore A durometer units. In some embodiments, a Shore Adurometer range of 50-55 Shore A, 50-60 Shore A, 55-65 Shore A, 70-80Shore A, 70-90 Shore A, or another range of durometer having boundsequal, intermediate, higher or lower is used.

In some embodiments, a transparent material is used to form a tipadaptor (for example, tip adaptor 12B, 12C, or any other tip adaptordescribed herein). A potential advantage of transparency is more directdetermination of the positioning of the adaptor on the colonoscope end.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-16C, which illustrate an elasticallydeformable tip adaptor 12 in three configurations relative to a distalportion of an endoscope 21, according to some exemplary embodiments ofthe invention.

Configurations shown are pre attachment (FIG. 16A), mid-attachment (FIG.16B), and after attachment (FIG. 16C). The sequence illustrates theflexibility of adaptor 12 for insertion over an endoscope from the side,and its capability for attachment by shape restoration once pressed ontoan endoscope tube.

In some embodiments, a position for tip adaptor 20 with respect to adistal end of endoscope 21 is selected by a user according to preferenceand/or according to a given clinical situation, and tip adaptor 20attached to endoscope distal end 21 according to the position selected.In some embodiments, tip adaptor 20 and/or attached tubes 110 aredisposable objects intended for one-time use.

In some embodiments, distal interface 20 is fixedly connected to anendoscope distal region 21 at a position proximally spaced from the enditself (FIG. 13C). The distance is at least, for example, 0.5-1.5 cm,1-2.5 cm, 2-5 cm, or a shorter or longer distance from the distal end ofthe endoscope.

A potential advantage of the configurations shown in FIGS. 13A-13C and17A-17B is ensuring the optics of endoscope 10 a full field of view. Iftip adaptor 20 is positioned near the end of endoscope 21 but issomewhat distanced from that end, then even unusually large tip adaptorsmay not interfere with full field of view for the endoscope optics.

In some methods of use in some embodiments, an endoscope 10 withattached cleaning system 100 is advanceable throughout a length of acolon with the cleaning system in use during the advance, so that thecleaning system cleans fecal matter from the length of colon.Optionally, the endoscope is subsequently gradually retracted throughthe cleaned colon for inspection and/or treatment. Under this method,the fact that tip adaptor 20 is positioned proximally to the distal endof the endoscope is convenient both during advancing/cleaning and duringretracting/observing. During advancing, potentially, the distal tip ismore easily able to penetrate restricted spaces, in virtue of not havingto support the added bulk of the adaptor tip at the point ofpenetration. During retraction, potentially, the adaptor tip is clear ofinterfering with illumination and/or imaging elements in virtue of beingphysically out of their field of illumination and/or view.

FIGS. 17A-17B exemplify (in frontal and side views) a tip adaptor 13which mounts on an endoscope 21, optionally from the side of theendoscope, and is in contact with or in proximity to a distal portion ofendoscope 21 along a portion (for example, about 40% or about 50% orabout 60% or about 70% or about 80%) of the endoscope circumference. Insome embodiments, it does not surround as much as 50% of itscircumference. In some embodiments, interface tip adaptor 13 isattachable at a variety of positions along a distal portion of endoscope21. Optionally, tip adaptor 13 is held in place by an attachment 14 suchas a bonding tape, clamp and/or any other mechanical, bonding, and/orgluing means; a strap, and/or by attachments 112 along connecting tubes110, themselves connected to tip adaptor 13 along the length ofendoscope 10 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B.

In some embodiments, interface tip adaptors 12 and 13 are positionableanywhere on the distal portion of endoscope 21, to suit a physician'sconvenience and/or to suit the clinical requirements of a particularcase. It is a potential advantage of tip adaptors having flexible and/orside-attachable, tip adaptor 13 that they are attachable for use withendoscopes of a variety of shapes and/or diameters. In some embodiments,tip adaptor 13 is constructed of elastically flexible material tofurther make it adaptable to endoscopes of varying sizes. For similarreasons, tip adaptor 13 is optionally adaptable to being mounted on aportion of distal endoscope 21 having a non-circular or asymmetricalcross-section.

Embodiments shown in FIGS. 11D, 13A-13C, and 17A-17B are optionallyusable to position distal outlets of “cleaning tubes” (that is, one ormore irrigation tubes and/or one or more evacuation tubes) at auser-selected position with respect to a distal end of an endoscope.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-10D, which illustrate over-the-endattachment of an adaptor tip 20 to an endoscope distal end 21, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, tip adaptor 20 is attachable over the end ofendoscope distal region 21 (FIG. 10B) to a range of positions relativeto the distal end. The position may be flush or nearly flush with theend (FIG. 10C), or it may be offset proximally by a distance 28, forexample, 0.5-1.5 cm, 1-2 cm, 1.5-3 cm, or another longer or shorteroffset length.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A-9D, which illustrate a problem relatedto attachment of an adaptor tip 20 to an endoscope distal end 21 havingvariable diameter, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

In some embodiments, an endoscope distal portion 21 comprises arelatively uniform diameter 36 extending proximally from the endoscopedistal end (FIGS. 9A-9B). In some embodiments of the invention, theendoscope distal portion is not of uniform diameter, as shown here, butmay comprise irregularities, for example, due to endoscope wrapping,steering mechanism, and/or other structures. The segmented appearance ofendoscope distal portion 21 in FIGS. 1A-1B reflects theseirregularities. It should be noted that it is a potential advantage ofelastically deformable embodiments, for example, those of FIGS. 13A-13C,that they potentially adjust to such irregularities automatically.

In some embodiments, the irregularity is sufficiently large as to posean obstacle to fitting an adaptor tip 20 over the distal portion. Forexample, the diameter 35 of expanded region 27 (FIGS. 9C-9D) is largerthan diameter 36, so that an over-the-end, form-fitting attachmentproximal to the distal end of endoscope distal region 21 is impeded.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A-14C, which demonstrate attachment ofa tip adaptor 12 to an endoscope probe comprising an expanded distalportion 27, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, endoscope distal region 21 is constructed with anexpanded region 27, for example a ring 137 encircling the distal end.Ring 137 or other expanded region 27 may be provided to fulfillfunctional needs of endoscopes 21, for example to accommodatemanipulating tools, illumination, and/or imaging optics. Nevertheless,such expansions potentially interfere with the navigability of anendoscope end. While sufficient care may have been taken in the designof the original endoscope to preserve maneuverability, adding a tipadaptor 20 that further enlarges the distal end of an endoscope 21 ispotentially detrimental to successful navigation through a colon.

A tip adaptor such as 12 or 13 attachable to an endoscope 21 at aposition proximal to an expanded distal potentially allows a narrowerprofile of the tip adaptor and endoscope combination. Potentially, anarrower profile is more navigable. In FIGS. 14A-14C, for example, a tipadaptor 12 is shown attached at a region proximal to an expansion 27,permitting a profile which is within a profile 12A which the sameadaptor would assume if placed directly over the expansion 27 of theendoscope distal end 21.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15C, which shows an extension 220A ofhousing area 220 of a tip adaptor 12D over distal end expansion 27,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, tip adaptor 12D is configured to attach distally tothe end of distal endoscope region 21, with a short extension 220A,configured to rise over an expanded region 27 and project forward,bringing an aperture of an evacuation channel 95, for example, furtherforward while the main body of the tip adaptor 12 remains at a moresheltered proximal position.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11D, which shows an over-the-end appliedtip adaptor 11C, associated with an endoscope distal portion 21,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

A potential advantage of side-mounting tip adaptors is seen bycomparison of FIG. 11D with FIG. 14C. In FIG. 11D, the adaptor 11C isseparated by a distance 28 from the distal end of endoscope 21, aftersliding over a distal expansion 27. However, the resulting configurationis not well fitted, and has excessive diameter relative to the diameterachievable with a configuration such as that of FIG. 14C. Even in thecase of an over-the-end configuration mounted more securely at thedistal end, as in FIG. 11C, the tip adaptor 11B is potentially moreobstructive than the configuration of FIG. 14C.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A-18C, which schematically illustrate atip adaptor 1800 comprising a shell 1801 and an insert 1805, accordingto some exemplary embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, theshell is relatively soft, and the insert is relatively hard. In someembodiments, the insert is relatively soft, and the shell is relativelyhard. The two alternative configurations potentially provide alternativesets of benefits, as described hereinbelow. Reference is also made toFIGS. 19A-19C, which schematically illustrate a tip adaptor 1900comprising an evacuation antechamber 1910, according to some exemplaryembodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, a tip adaptor 1800, 1900 comprisesa colonoscope mounting lumen 1903, sized and shaped to receive thedistal end of a colonoscope. Optionally, the tip adaptor 1800, 1900 alsocomprises:

-   -   one or more evacuation channel mounting sockets 1902 for tubes        of the evacuation channel,    -   one or more irrigation channel mounting sockets 1912 for tubes        providing irrigation fluid, and/or    -   one or more pressure sensor sockets 1918, 1914 for receiving        pressure sensing means.

In some embodiments of the invention, an evacuation socket 1902comprises structures related to the assembly, sensing, safety, and/orblockage resistance of the evacuation channels of a colon cleaningdevice tip adaptor.

In some embodiments, the distal end of the tube of an evacuation channel22 inserts into the proximal side of an evacuation channel mountingsocket 1902. Optionally, it is secured by a friction fit and/oradhesive. Optionally, the depth of tube insertion is limited by a tubestop 1904, which comprises a partial restriction within the lumen ofevacuation socket 1902. The partial restriction is optionally acircumferential narrowing of socket 1902. Optionally, the stop comprisesa non-circumferential raised portion of the lumen wall.

Distal to the tube stop, in some embodiments, an evacuation channel tippressure sensing aperture 1909 is provided. Optionally, the pressuresensing aperture comprises a lumen extending between evacuation channelmounting socket 1902, and pressure sensor socket 1918. In someembodiments, a hole 1907 is provided opposite the sensing aperture hole1909 in the wall of evacuation socket 1902. The hole 1907 is optionallycreated during the process of manufacture to provide access for thecreation of hole 1909.

Additionally or alternatively, it serves as a secondary suction reliefaperture.

In some embodiments, socket 1902 terminates at a distal evacuationsocket aperture 1923, leading into evacuation antechamber 1910. As such,socket aperture 1923 also comprises the intake aperture 95 of theevacuation channel.

Optionally, a proximal wall 1927 of evacuation antechamber 1910comprises one or more such distal evacuation socket apertures 1923. Insome embodiments, a distal wall 1925 of evacuation antechamber 1910comprises one or more evacuation antechamber access apertures 1921.Optionally, evacuation antechamber 1910 comprises another aperture1910A, across which lumen 1903 is in fluid communication withantechamber 1910.

In some embodiments, the structures forming antechamber 1910 and itsapertures comprise functions described also, for example, in relation toFIGS. 3A-5B, and/or 7A-7C. For example, distal wall 1925 comprises anintake guard 41, insofar as it enforces a separation of the intestinalwall 1 from socket aperture 1923. Evacuation antechamber access aperture1921 comprises an embodiment of an aperture or hole 60 which allowspassage of sufficiently small material therethrough.

Potential advantages of the structure of antechamber 1910 and itsapertures can be considered in terms of the pressures experienced bydifferent sizes of granulated waste material as it passes into theantechamber 1910, and thence into one of the evacuation intake apertures1923. With the evacuation channel side of the cleaning probe oriented todown (as in, for example, FIGS. 5A-5B), fluid level is readily reducedto a low depth, as the access apertures 1921 are positioned low on thetip head, and a sufficient pressure gradient is generated by suctionfrom the evacuation channel 22 across access apertures 1921 to movefluid volume.

Optionally, access apertures 1921 are sized to be no larger than intakeapertures 1923. Optionally, access apertures 1921 are positioned axiallydistal to intake apertures 1923. A potential advantage of this is thatit helps ensure that an oblate waste particle entering access aperture1921 is oriented to enter the evacuation channel, rather than blockacross it. In this sense, access aperture 1921 potentially acts as awaste particle strainer. In cases where waste particles are too large,and/or improperly oriented to pass into an access aperture 1921, thewaste particle is nevertheless less likely to become suction-impactedwithin the access aperture 1921, as the pressure gradient is relieved byone of the other antechamber apertures 1921, 1910A, 1907. Aperture1910A, by being relatively elevated, and at a relatively protectedposition within lumen 1903, is less likely to encounter large particlesfor which pre-straining is an advantage. Optionally, however, aperture1910A is divided into two or more smaller apertures, potentially alsoproviding a straining function for the intake aperture 1923.

Reference is now made to FIG. 23, which schematically illustrates aparticle 2305 entering a distal tip adaptor 2300, according to someexemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments, a tip 2300 (simplified to emphasize aspects relatedto evacuation antechamber 1910) is attached to a colonoscope probe 21within lumen 1903, and an evacuation channel 22 at evacuation socket1902. Suction is actively applied to the evacuation channel 22 such thatmaterial entering antechamber 1910 is evacuated. In some embodiments,this creates additional suction gradients 2301, 2302 from apertures1910A and 1921, respectively. When waste (fluid with suspended solids)level 2223 is positioned about at or above aperture 1921, waste ispulled into the antechamber. If resistance at this aperture rises,however, the corresponding rise in the steepness of the pressuregradient is reduced by suction relief action of aperture 1910A.Resistance can rise, for example, upon encountering a portion ofintestinal wall 1, for example as shown in relation to FIGS. 2D-2E.Potentially, shunting of the pressure gradient acts to reduce anincidence of suction-related injury. Particle 2305 represents a wasteparticle which, though large in one dimension, has been aligned to bypassage through aperture 1921 so that it can enter channel 22 ratherthan being jammed to across intake aperture 1923.

In some embodiments, the provision of pluralities of apertures providesa further functional advantage. If a single access aperture 1921 becomesblocked, for example, it is nevertheless possible for a plurality ofevacuation intake apertures to continue receiving fluid from the commonantechamber 1910 fed by another access aperture 1921.

A further functional aspect related to evacuation antechamber 1910 isthe rounded shaping of the distal wall 1925 such that while it providesseparation of regions experiencing a steep pressure from the intestinalwall 1, it also presents a blunted front aspect 1802. Potentially, thisreduces mechanical damage from poking, cutting, catching, and/orslicing. Insofar as the rounded tip shape is also tapering, the chancesof catching are potentially reduced, as the shape of the tip encouragessliding away from and over wall obstructions, rather than bluntlypushing at them. Potentially, rounded shaping of the whole of the frontsurface (“spherical” shaping, though it need not be actually a sectionof a spherical surface) also reduces the likelihood of catching on wallsby suction grip, by presenting inlet aperture shapes to which theintestinal wall 1 is not well suited to simultaneously conform (andblock).

Another aspect of distal tip 1800, 1900 relates to the structuresassociated with colonoscope mounting lumen 1903. In some embodiments, acolonoscope stop 1906 is provided, which protrudes into the lumen 1903such that the placement of the cleaning tip 1800, 1900 on thecolonoscope distal end is precisely limited to the point at which thecolonoscope contacts stopping surface 1906A. It is a potentialadvantage, for example, if the colonoscope end is prevented fromblocking antechamber aperture 1910A.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which schematically illustrates asleeve assembly 2104 in a sleeve placement jig 2100 together withcomponents of an irrigation system and a colonoscope 21, according tosome exemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, tip 1800, 1900 is attached to oneend of a thin-walled, flexible sleeve of a polymer (such aspolyurethane, silicone rubber, or another flexible polymer) which issized to fittingly accommodate and/or fair the colonoscope and/or othertube elements which comprise the fully assembled cleaning apparatus.Potential advantages of the sleeve assembly 2104 include: allowingreversible attachment of the cleaning apparatus to a colonoscope (forexample, so that the cleaning apparatus can be exchanged and/or disposedof after use); ease of integration of a cleaning system with acolonoscope probe, and/or reproducible control of the integratedcleaning system/colonoscope probe system configuration shape andrelative positioning.

In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly comprises an inner sleeve 2103,adapted for receiving a colonoscope probe 21. Inner sleeve 2103 iscircumferentially surrounded by an outer sleeve 2102, including one ormore add-on tubes 21, 101.

In some embodiments, a diameter of a lumen of inner sleeve 2103, in anon-expanded state, ranges between, for example, 8-12 mm, 3-10 mm, 5-18mm, or another range having the same, intermediate, larger and/orsmaller bounds. Optionally, the diameter is selected according to adiameter of a colonoscope; for example, 5%, 10%, 20% or an intermediate,larger or smaller percentage smaller (before stretching) than a diameterof a colonoscope. As particular examples: for a colonoscope having adiameter of 12 mm, the inner diameter is smaller than the colonoscope'sdiameter in a non-expanded state by 0.1-5 mm, 1-3 mm, 0.1-0.9 mm oranother range of sizes having the same, intermediate, larger and/orsmaller bounds.

In some embodiments, sleeve assembly 2104 is inflatable for receiving acolonoscope probe by attachment to an inflation base 2107 of inflationjig 2100, the base 2107 comprising an inflation inlet 2105 configured tobe attached to a gas pressure source for inflation. Optionally, aninflation jig 2100 comprises a restriction tube or partial tube 2101,though which sleeve assembly 2104 is extended for receiving acolonoscope probe 21. Colonoscope probe 21 is optionally insertedthrough sealing member 2106, and fed through the inner sleeve 2103 untilreaching lumen 1903 of the distal tip 1900.

Optionally, the flexible sleeve is secured by a circumference aroundattachment channel 1905A. Optionally, the sleeve comprises an outer tubeand at least one inner tube; optionally, the inner tube is attached toattachment channel 1905A. Optionally, adhesive introduction aperture1905 is provided, leading from the outside of the tip leading to lumen1903 and attachment channel 1905A. Optionally, the fairing tube issecured to channel 1905A by placement of one end within lumen 1903 andpressing against channel 1905A, followed by adhesive injection allaround the lumen. Returning to FIGS. 18A-19C, in some embodiments of theinvention, irrigation channel 101 terminates at tip 1800, 1900 byinsertion into an irrigation tube receiving socket 1912. Optionally,socket 1912 is elongated to allow two or more separate irrigation tubesto insert alongside each other. Optionally, insert depth into the socketis set by one or more irrigation tube stops 1913. In some embodiments,one or more irrigation outlets 1920 are provided for each socket 1912.Optionally, the irrigation outlets 1920 comprise cylindrical holesoriented along the distal-proximal axis of the tip body. Optionally, theirrigation outlets 1920 are otherwise shaped and/or oriented forjetting—for example, comprising a tapered lumen, and/or aimed off thedistal-proximal axis for distributing and/or aiming the irrigation fluidspray.

In some embodiments of the invention, sensor sockets 1918, 1914 areconfigured to receive sensing probe and/or sensing probe portions, toallow one or more aspects of the tip and/or tip environment to besensed. For example, evacuation lumen pressure sensor socket 1918 isoptionally provided with a sensor which is linked through sensingaperture 1909 to one or more evacuation sockets 1902 for sensing ofpressure and/or pressure changes therein. In some embodiments, anelectronic pressure sensor is provided. In some embodiments, amechanical pressure sensor is provided. For example, a pressure sensoroptionally comprises a fluid-filled tube to which a test pressure isproximally applied. As pressure at the distal tip rises and/or falls,the volume moved by the test pressure changes, which is optionallytransduced into a measurement and/or indication of distal tip pressure.

In some embodiments, external pressure sensor socket 1914 is configuredto receive a pressure sensor which senses an external pressure throughexternal pressure sensor aperture 1916. Optionally, a stop 1915, 1919helps to assure proper placement of the sensor, for example, amechanical pressure sensor such as that described in relation topressure sensing socket 1918.

In some embodiments of the invention, a tip assembly 1800 comprises arelatively hard shell 1801, with a softer mounting portion 1805.Optionally, mounting portion 1805 comprises an insert into a receivingaperture 1801A of hard shell 1801. Potentially, a soft insert/hard shellconfiguration provides an advantage by allowing the material to beselected according to the functions performed by each portion 1801,1805. For example, a hard shell potentially provides greater dimensionalstability to the tip adaptor overall. Potentially, this encourages thetip to slide over rather than deformingly embed within intestinal tissuethat it encounters, an advantage for navigation and/or safety, forexample. Potentially, a soft insert provides an advantage for resistingthe tendency of tubes inserted thereto from being pried out of positionupon application of bending forces to the cleaning assembly (if made toa softness similar to the tubes 110, the insert bends to a greaterdegree along with the tubes themselves as they are flexed).

Another potential advantage of the two-hardness construction is toenhance elastic friction fitting of the various small tubes whichconnect to the tip; for example, by making sockets 1912, 1914, 1902,and/or 1918 slightly smaller than the tubes which are pressingly fittedinto them. Potentially, the hard shell provides an advantage forallowing a relatively lower friction material (of the body itself,and/or of a coating) to be used for regions of the tip liable to contactthe intestinal wall 1. Optionally, both components are made ofpolyurethane (of appropriately differing hardness). Optionally, theouter component is coated, for example with a friction reducing materialsuch as Parylene C, Teflon, or another low-friction material.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the internal tip portion 1805 is,for example, within the range of 25-40 Shore A, 30-50 Shore A, 35-55Shore A, or within another range of softness having the same, larger,smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the external tip portion 1801 is,for example, within the range of 40-60 Shore A, 60-80 Shore A, 70-90Shore A, or within another range of softness having the same, larger,smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.

In some embodiments of the invention, a tip assembly 1800 comprises arelatively soft shell 1801, with a harder mounting portion 1805.Optionally, mounting portion 1805 comprises an insert into a receivingaperture 1801A of soft shell 1801. Potentially, a soft shell/hard insertconfiguration provides an advantage by allowing the material to beselected according to the functions performed by each portion 1801,1805, with a different emphasis than described for the soft insert/hardshell embodiments hereinabove.

For example, a hard insert potentially provides dimensional stability tothe tip adaptor interfaces with tubing connectors such as sockets 1902,1912, 1914, 1918, and/or to the dimensions of apertures such asapertures 1920 which optionally direct and/or shape fluid jets.Potentially, a hard insert is manufacturable to closer tolerances than asoft insert, for example to achieve tighter fitting, and/or closercontrol of jet aperture characteristics. During storage, a hard insertpotentially resists creep, sagging, or other deformation which couldpotentially affect performance During use, dimensional stabilitypotentially prevents forces exerted on the tip from distorting,dislodging and/or loosening socket-tube connections. Potentially,dimensional stability of fluid jet apertures prevents distortion whichaffects the aiming and/or jet forming characteristics of the aperture.

In some embodiments, a soft shell protects tissue from encounters withhard portions of the tip. In general, providing a soft “skin” for theshell 1801 potentially helps to prevent damaging effects of pokingand/or scraping. For example, a soft construction for shell 1801 softensthe edges around apertures such as colonoscope mounting lumen 1903,irrigation outlet 1920, and/or evacuation socket aperture 1923. A softshell 1801 also potentially distributes contact forces at other parts ofthe tip assembly 1800, for example at outer corners and/or curves.

In some embodiments, one or more compressible chambers and/or hollowsare provided which potentially augment the protective effects of a softshell 1801. For example, antechamber 1910 is optionally manufactured ofmaterial of sufficient softness and/or wall thinness such that thehollow it defines is easily collapsible upon encountering contactforces.

In some embodiments, the antechamber 1910 is flexible enough to allowelastic collapse with light pressure (for example, a pressure of between1-10 Newtons, or another greater or smaller pressure). The collapsepressure is optionally chosen to be light enough that it is unlikely todamage the colon and/or at a level which is ordinarily encounteredduring advance within the colon. Optionally, collapsing pressure isdeliberately brought to bear on the antechamber 1910 during use.Potentially, the collapsing action allows mechanically clearance ofblockages within the chamber, and/or at one of the entrances to/exitsfrom the chamber.

Additionally or alternatively, shell 1801 is manufactured with otherhollows within its structure. For example, the wall thickness of a shellregion 1803 comprises hollow regions defined by relatively thinmembranes of soft material (in a honeycomb formation, for example). Thechambers are optionally sealed or left unsealed on at least one side.

In some embodiments, the regions of soft and hard material are providedin different regions than shown in the figures. For example, the softmaterial of shell 1801 optionally comprises nearly all of the materialvolume of a tip assembly 1800, with the dimensionally stable hardmaterial being provided as one or more inserts (for example, a pluralityof tubular inserts) to define structures such as sockets and/orapertures. Some embodiments of the invention comprise anotheralternative construction; for example, a plurality of alternating and/orintermingled soft and hard layers and/or partial or segmented shells. Insome embodiments, at least a portion of the relative advantages of eachtype of two-hardness construction (soft inside, hard outside; hardinside, soft outside) is potentially obtained by such constructionvariations. For example, hard sockets and/or jet apertures (potentiallyproviding dimensional stability for connection/jet formation) areoptionally embedded in a softer matrix (potentially allowing parts tomove with respect to one another without being dislodged thereby); thesofter matrix is optionally embedded in a harder outer part (optionallyhelping to preserve overall strength and/or shape of the adaptor), andthe harder outer part itself is optionally provided with soft regionswhich act as force-absorbing and/or edge shielding bumpers.

Optionally, one or both of the soft and hard components are made ofpolyurethane (of appropriately differing hardness). Optionally, theouter component is coated, for example with a friction reducing materialsuch as Parylene C, Teflon, or another low-friction material.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the shell portion 1801 is, forexample, within the range of 25-40 Shore A, 30-50 Shore A, 35-55 ShoreA, or within another range of softness having the same, larger, smaller,and/or intermediate bounds. In some embodiments, the hardness of theinsert tip portion 1805 is, for example, within the range of 40-60 ShoreA, 60-80 Shore A, 70-90 Shore A, or within another range of softnesshaving the same, larger, smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20, which schematically illustrates a tipadaptor 2000 comprising a flexible wall guard 2001, according to someexemplary embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, a tip adaptor 2000 comprises aflexible wall guard 2001, which acts as a spacing, positioning and/oraiming aid during colon cleaning operations.

In some embodiments, the wall guard 2001 comprises one or more flexiblemembers 2002 attached at one end to the tip body, and having a length2002A of about, for example, 10-15 mm, 12-18 mm, 15-20 mm, 18-24 mm, oranother range of lengths having the same, larger, smaller, and/orintermediate bounds. In some embodiments, the total width 2002B of thewall guard 2001 is within the range of about, for example, 5-7 mm, 6-9mm, 8-12 mm, 9-14 mm, or another range having the same, larger, smaller,and/or intermediate bounds. Optionally, a plurality of flexible membersare separated by a gap 2004; for example, a gap of 1-2 mm or another gapwidth.

In some embodiments, the members of wall guard 2001 are sufficientlyflexible to fully bend through a range 2006 of about 180° or more. Insome embodiments, the maximum bending range is, for example, about 150°,160°, 170°, 180°, 190°, or another larger, smaller, or intermediatemaximum range. In some embodiments, the wall additionally oralternatively is configured to flex along its length, for examplethrough a flexing range 2008. In some embodiments, the maximal flexingrange is optionally from about doubled over (180°), or a smaller rangesuch as about 90°, about 45°, or another maximum range which is larger,smaller, or intermediate. A paired-rectangle “rabbit ear” configurationis shown in FIG. 20; however, it is to be understood that other shapesare also embodiments of the invention—for example, triangular, oval,semi-circular, or another shape. In some embodiments of the invention,the thickness of the wall guard members is varied according to distancefrom the tip, in order to encourage more or less bending along thelength, according to the specific bending characteristics desired. Thehardness of the wall guard members 2002 (which comprise, for example,polyurethane or another rubber polymer) are, for example, about 20-30Shore A, 30-45 Shore A, 40-55 Shore A, or within another range ofhardness having the same, larger, smaller, and/or intermediate bounds.It is to be understood that the wall guard 2001 is optionally providedwith any of the cleaning system tip embodiments described herein.Optionally, the wall guard 2001 is integrally formed with a soft outershell such as shell 1801, optionally surrounding an insert such asmounting portion 1805.

Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which illustrates positions 2201,2203, 2205, 2207, 2209, 2211, 2213 of a cleaning system distal region(comprising for example, an adaptor tip 2100), in relation to anintestinal wall 1 and a flexible wall guard 2001.

Wall guard 2001 provides a potential advantage by acting as a soft(atraumatic) stand-off from the intestinal wall through which a cleaningsystem tip 2000 navigates. Potentially, this reduces instances ofsuction attachment to the intestinal wall.

Nevertheless, the wall guard 2001 is optionally sufficiently soft thatit tends to elastically collapse upon exercise of sufficient force, forexample, upon encountering a restriction in the colon (for example, aconstriction at a colon segment boundary), such that navigation throughthe restriction is relatively unimpeded. Positions 2200 and 2213 showexamples of the wall collapsed in a distal- and proximal-pointingorientation, respectively. In some embodiments, the members 2002 areprovided as balloons inflatable through fluid communication with apressure source (such as an irrigation tube 101, or another tube whichis specially provided for wall inflation). This optionally allowscontrol of wall stiffness according to the current navigationalrequirements.

In some embodiments of the invention, the wall guard 2001 serves as adevice that helps to position the tip radially within the colon. Forexample: as the tip is advanced from position 2207, wall guard members2002 tend to flex backward and toward the tip body to a positionapproximating that of line 2006A and/or position 2213, such that the tipcan more closely approach the intestinal wall 1. However, with a slightbackward pull, the members 2002 tend to straighten, for example, towardposition 2008A and/or 2207. This potentially pushes the tip away fromthe wall. An optional alternative maneuver is to bend the wall forwardby withdrawing the tip proximally; from this position, advancing risesup on the walls (sequence of positions 2201, 2203, 2205, 2207, forexample). By this means, different radial positions for the tip areselectable, which potentially allows selection of the position at whichjets are aimed when irrigation fluid is supplied—for example thedifference in position between jet aiming directions 2230 and 2231.

Additionally or alternatively, the tip is repositioned by the wall guardto a radial position better suited to further advancement—for example,nearer to an aperture region in an intestinal restriction. Optionally,alternate short backward and forward movements of the tip region (forexample, between positions 2201 and 2213) result in the tip “scanning”within the lumen and toward and away from the intestinal wall 1(paralleling, for example, a path like 2200). This potentiallydistributes the energy of irrigation jets over a cleaning target 2222,and/or allows selection of a position suited for draining fluid from theintestine relative to a waste level 2223 (allowing, for example,positioning an evacuation intake zone between levels 2232 and 2233). Anevacuation position is optionally selected, for example, such that theevacuation access apertures 1921 are immersed, but the evacuationantechamber aperture 1910A remains clear of fluid.

Optionally, rotation of the device puts more force on one of the wallmembers 2002 than on the other, as another method of guard-wall mediatedsteering. Optionally, the device is deliberately rotated by about 90° tomove the guard wall out of the way and bring a portion of an evacuationaccess aperture nearer to a lower intestinal wall 1 portion, such thatsmall amounts of remaining fluid can be evacuated.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to within ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean: “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means: “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

The words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving asan example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as an“example or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferredor advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude theincorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in someembodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particularembodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional”features except insofar as such features conflict.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological,biochemical and medical arts.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantiallyinhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition,substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of acondition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical oraesthetical symptoms of a condition.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents andpatent applications referred to in this specification are to beincorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, asif each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to beincorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation oridentification of any reference in this application shall not beconstrued as an admission that such reference is available as prior artto the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, anypriority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its/their entirety.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning system for evacuating waste from adigestive tract lumen, comprising: at least one evacuation channelhaving a distal end configured for insertion to a distal segment of saiddigestive tract lumen, said at least one evacuation channel beingconfigured to transmit suction distally to an intake cross-section ofthe evacuation channel; and a guard wall which extends distally fromsaid intake cross-section; said guard wall comprising a plurality ofapertures, at least one of said apertures serving as a suction reliefaperture for reducing a pressure gradient.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein said guard wall comprises an evacuation antechamber whichincludes an open region fluidly interconnecting said plurality ofapertures proximally; said plurality of apertures positioned to allowfluid to pass therethrough to a side facing said intake cross-sectionwhile receiving suction transmitted through said evacuation channel. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures arepositioned near an open end of said guard wall which defines a suctionaperture leading to said intake cross-section.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein a lip of said guard wall is formed to define a non-planarsuction aperture.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said guard wall ispositioned to increase a distance between a body lumen wall and a regionof high pressure gradient at said intake-cross section.
 6. The system ofclaim 2, wherein said evacuation antechamber defines a rounded, bluntedfront aspect.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said digestive tractlumen is a colon.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said guard walltapers in a distal direction.
 9. The system of claim 1, comprising anadaptor attachable to a distal portion of a colonoscope probe whichincludes said evacuation channel, wherein said adaptor comprises saidguard wall.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said guard wall extendsdistally to a limit defined by exclusion from a field of view of animaging means comprised in the colonoscope probe.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each of said plurality of apertures comprises an openarea smaller than 50% of the area of said intake cross-section.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said guard wall is positioned to divertsuction into the intake cross-section of the evacuation channel awayfrom the tissue of a lumenal wall.
 13. The system of claim 1, comprisinga sensor system which allows a controller to reduce and/or reversesuction strength applied through said evacuation channel upon detectionof an occlusion.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein said evacuationchannel is substantially uniform in cross-section along its body. 15.The system of claim 1, wherein said guard wall is rigid or semi-rigidsuch that it maintains its shape under at least a pressure used tonormally advance an endoscope probe into the body lumen.
 16. The systemof claim 2, wherein when suction is actively applied through saidevacuation channel, waste material entering said evacuation antechamberis evacuated.
 17. A method of evacuating waste from a digestive tractlumen, comprising: inserting at least a distal portion of an evacuationchannel into a distal segment of the digestive tract lumen; applyingsuction to said evacuation channel, the suction transmitted via saidevacuation channel to an intake-cross section at a distal end of saidevacuation channel and through an open end of a guard wall which extendsdistally from said intake cross-section; and relieving a pressuregradient formed across said open end of the guard wall via at least oneaperture of a plurality of apertures formed in said guard wall.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein said guard wall comprises an evacuationantechamber which includes an open region fluidly interconnecting saidplurality of apertures proximally; said plurality of aperturespositioned to allow fluid to pass therethrough to a side facing saidintake cross-section while receiving suction transmitted through saidevacuation channel.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said relieving apressure gradient comprises reducing a pressure across said plurality ofapertures to a level which is unable to grab or injure lumenal tissue.20. The method of claim 17, wherein said guard wall is formed as a partof a tip adaptor, the method comprising attaching said tip adaptor tosaid evacuation channel distal portion.